Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Jewels of Hope: The Collection of Mrs. Lily Safra

I had the pleasure of viewing, not only Huguette M Clark's classic collection at Christie's in April, but also the Jewels of Hope: The Collection of Lily Safra. There was an amazing collection of jewels that day, a real treat for anyone who has a fondness for fabulous pieces. Even though I cannot afford any of these gems, being able to see their beauty in person, and marvel at the craftsmanship is something I so enjoy. Photography was allowed so along with information from Christie's site, here are my photos:

Christie's has been entrusted with the sale of the magnificent jewellery collection of Mrs Lily Safra. All proceeds will be generously donated to 20 different charitable institutions. Regarded as a major philanthropist of our time, Mrs Safra is also a discerning connoisseur. This jewellery collection reflects her refined taste and its evolution throughout five decades, from the 1970s to the present day.

Featuring 70 lots, the collection of Mrs Lily Safra is estimated to realise in excess of $20 million and includes important diamonds, rubies and sapphires, as well as an outstanding array of fine antique and period jewelry.

A special section of the sale will be dedicated to a group of extraordinary jewels by JAR, the majority of which were created specifically for Mrs Safra by the renowned jeweller between the 1980s and 2000s. Showcasing 18 pieces, this is the largest private collection of creations by JAR ever to be offered at auction.

A pair of 19.43 and 19.16 carat pear-shaped diamond ear clips add the final touch of magic. As individual stones they are important diamonds, as a pair they are without peer (respectively D/VS1, potentially Flawless, Type IIa and D/VVS2, potentially Flawless, Type IIa; estimate: US$3,500,000-5,000,000).

A BELLE EPOQUE DIAMOND NECKLACE, BY CARTIER The lattice ribbon-style necklace centering upon a stylized bow, suspending rope hoops and two tassel pendants, entirely set with diamonds, the central motif can detach to be worn as a brooch, with additional fitting and screwdriver, mounted in platinum, 1911, 35.0 cm, in navy blue leather fitted Cartier caseSigned Cartier, nos. 6312 and 46 (indistinct), with maker's mark for Atelier Henri Picq Est $406,000 to $603,000 us dollars

AN ART DECO EMERALD AND DIAMOND SAUTOIR, BY MAUBOUSSIN

The diamond-set S-shape link chain, composed of three bracelets, suspending a detachable pendant centering upon a sugarloaf cabochon emerald, enhanced by a diamond-set fringe, circa 1925, 62.0 cm, with French assay mark for platinum

Signed Mauboussin, no. 93401

Accompanied by report no. 62003 dated 6 February 2012 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the emerald is of Colombian origin, with moderate amount of oil

Est $203,000 to $307,000 us dollars

AN ANTIQUE EMERALD AND DIAMOND NECKLACE

The two rows of rectangular-cut emerald and old-cut diamond graduated clusters interspersed by diamond collets, to the similar single-row backchain, mounted in silver and gold, early-19th Century, shortest row 40.5 cm

Accompanied by report no. 61999 dated 6 February 2012 from the SSEF Swiss Gemmological Institute stating that the emeralds are of Colombian origin, with none to moderate amount of oil; and an Appendix indicating that 'The emeralds (...) exhibit a well-matching colour, combined with a fine purity. Microscopic examination revealed inclusions, which represent the hallmarks of Colombian emeralds from the famous mining areas such as Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor, all located in the green foothills of the Cordillera Oriental in the Colombian Andes.'

Est $1.2 to $1.7 million us dollars

A SET OF FIVE DIAMOND AND COLOURED DIAMOND BRACELETS, BY FRED LEIGHTON

Each designed as a flexible bombé band set with brilliant-cut diamonds or brilliant-cut brown diamonds, mounted in gold, 19.0 cm, 19.3 cm and 19.5 cm

Est $50,000 to $81,000 us dollars

these braccelets were so unreal I was glad to get a shot for you up close to see the detail and craftsmanship I would have loved to purchase these if it wasn't for that darn price

What an amazing up close view of a ring that most of us can only dream of wearing. I am sure it is mighty heavy indeed. But oh what a sparkler!!

Mrs. Lily Safra has carried on the philanthropic tradition of her husband, Mr. Edmond J. Safra, one of the twentieth century’s most accomplished bankers and founder of the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation. Since 2000, Mrs. Safra has chaired this Foundation, which supports hundreds of projects related to education, science and medicine, religion, culture, and humanitarian relief in over 40 countries. She is a passionate art and jewellery collector, and has provided significant assistance to institutions including the National Gallery of Art (Washington), the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Israel Museum (Jerusalem), the Courtauld Institute of Art (London), the Château de Versailles, and the Musée du Louvre, where the “Salle Edmond et Lily Safra” honors the works she and her husband donated.

All the proceeds from the sale of the collection of Mrs Lily Safrawill benefit 20 charitable institutions*

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